RUKWA: VICE-PRESIDENT Deogratius Ndejembi has directed Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to complete electricity supply improvements in Mpanda by 1st of December and ordered contractors to accelerate delayed road projects in Katavi Region.
Mr Ndejembi issued the directives yesterday after arriving at Mpanda Airport en route to Sumbawanga, Rukwa Region, to represent President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan at the national climax of the 2026 Uhuru Torch Race today.
He directed TANESCO to ensure the installation of a transformer intended to improve electricity supply in Mpanda Municipality and other parts of the region, where demand has been growing.
He said the deadline must be met, including the installation of concrete electricity poles.
TANESCO Director, Lazaro Twange, said the utility planned to increase electricity supply capacity and assured the Vice President that the required infrastructure would be completed by the deadline.
Mr Ndejembi also expressed concern over delays in the construction of tarmac roads worth 29bn/-, questioning why work was progressing slowly despite contractors being present at project sites.
He ordered the immediate deployment of construction equipment and called for urgent action on the road towards Kigoma, particularly at Mtonyamasi, where a bridge and other sections remained incomplete.
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He warned that the forecast El Niño-influenced rains could further disrupt construction and affect road accessibility, underscoring the need to accelerate the works.
The Vice-President also directed that construction of the 20-kilometre road leading to Karema Port be expedited, citing its importance in improving trade and transport links and supporting economic activity in Katavi.
Earlier, Katavi Regional Commissioner, Mwanamvua Mrindoko, said more than 1.4tri/- had been directed towards development projects in the region to improve public services and promote economic growth.
Mr Ndejembi was accompanied by Minister for Water Jumaa Aweso. He was received by Ms Mrindoko, Mpanda Municipal Council Mayor Charles Philipo and other government and political leaders.